Hitchcocks Forum

This one has me stumped so hopefully, someone out there is a real techie:-
Recently got a 4 year old Bullet Electra EFI with 2500 on the clock.
Full service completed.
Starts no problem, ticks over nicely and pulls away fine but as soon as I stop at the first junction, the engine dies - even if you try and blip on the throttle, it will try and pick up but then it just seems to lack fuel.
Eventually get it started again, (can take several atempts), pulls just fine; next time you stop, so does the engine. Bike will happily cruise at 70+.
Bike has new filters, plugs and good fuel.
Lot of carbon on the plug after only 30 miles.
Its like a fuel problem but it's not present when the bike is on the move.
Once the engine has done say ten miles, the problem lessens or even goes away. Problem is, my first few miles are through town - soooo embarrassing.

Where to start? I have raised this with my dealer but hoping someone out there may have seen this before

regards

Oz

Hi Oz
as no one has replied I'll try
with the engine only cutting out when cold and only when you come to a halt it's unlikely that there is anything very wrong
one possibility is that the tick-over is set a bit too low? - adjust by the idle air bypass screw in the throttle body
or it may be that the engine electronic control system has a glitch?
let us know how things go
cheers

Hi Presto,
thanks for the help.
I just tried that and the engine seems happiest with the screw where it was.
To explain further, if I hold the engine at say 2000rpm for a few seconds and then close the throttle, the engine dies or sometimes it will just catch and speed back up to normal tickover revs after a few seconds.
Looking on USA forum, this would seem a fairly common issue but I don't see a resolution.

Oz

Hi OZ, There could of course be a problem with the ECU which in the absence of specialist testing equipment and Phd, can only be tested by substitution..

More likely to be a fault with a sensor of some discriptitude.. My money being on the Lambda 02 sensor in the exhaust giving incorrect readings and thus over rich/lean
the mixture at closed throttle.

These components must be checked for obvious damage and wiring connections checked for soundness.

The 02 sensor can be checked in isolation on the work bench using multimeter and heat source..

More info can be gleaned from google, type in (testing 02 sensor) and you'll be swamped....

Good luck. gwilly

Hi guys------ yes, having read, then re-read it I'm in agreement with GWILLY on this..Here's an idea to be going on with}---- On your next "non-work" day try to re-enact your normal routine BUT pre-heat the lambda sensor before you set off (From the emissions point of view you've already now done those 10 miles you mentioned..)You see what I'm getting at ??.. If the lambda sensor is at fault then the bike will be idling and running OK......Then the next day be back to how it is now...OR get hold of a known OK sensor and try by substitution.........

Thanks Guys. great to hear useful replies. Just to let you know, I have fitted the NGK that seems to be most recommended and had a play with the air bypass which was best where it was set.
so that leaves me with a look at the lambda sensor as you say. There is no doubt that the bike is running rich when cold given the sooty plug so it's worth a shot. I also have the backing of a local dealer in Preston, (not where I got it from), but he has a few bikes and can swap bits out if we don't find it. I'll let you know how I get on but it might be a few days before I can get to it. Cheers, Oz

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHzMg-J2aEA

Just looked at this and noted one of the comments near the bottom of the you tube page - sounds just like mine.
Time to get the paper clip out!
Oz

Hi guys---------Here's a coincidence but have just been chatting with a neighbour whose Peugeot Estate Diesel is doing exactly the same thing.... His thinking is it's the O2 sensor (lambda) as well------------Will let you know what happens..

Just to let you guys know, I have made no progress. Very sooty plug, engine surges when doing 30 or 40 steadily. If I just leave it ticking over, it occasionally nearly stops - and sometimes does. I have a warranty so it is off to the dealer. BTW, I only get about 50 to the gallon! Something badly wrong with her.
Anyone know of a cheap bike collection service Staffs/Lancs email [email protected]

Hi there, try checking for free play on the bistarter cable (the choke - ok it's not a choke, but its basically a choke!!). Also, check the cable is seated properly in the injector/inlet manifold. m